HILLSBORO, Ore- On June 17, 2024, Geovani Barcenas-Ortiz pleaded guilty to Bias Crime in the Second Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Judge Theodore Sims sentenced the defendant to 15 months in prison and ordered he serve two years of post-prison supervision. Deputy District Attorney Christina Luedtke prosecuted this case.

On May 18, 2024, the defendant, who was on post-prison supervision for a Felon in Possession of a Firearm conviction, was at the Willow Creek MAX station. A TriMet employee spotted the defendant riding a scooter through the station and asked him to get off his scooter near the MAX platform. The defendant refused, pulled a knife, and threatened to kill the worker.

Hillsboro police were called and responded to the scene. Officers located the defendant and arrested him. In addition to the physical threats, the defendant also admitted to using derogatory comments against the employee based on his Asian descent.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting all members of our community from hate and bias. This office leads the Washington County Bias Crime Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). The MDT consists of members from law enforcement agencies and community partner organizations from across Washington County. Victims of bias crimes are urged to report incidents to law enforcement so that they can be properly investigated and prosecuted. Victims can also utilize the Bias Response Hotline operated by the Oregon Department of Justice.

This office wishes to acknowledge the work of the Hillsboro Police Department on this case. The defendant will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.